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This week’s “Beyond the Athlete” features one of our newest members, Maria Bruno. As soon as I met Maria, I knew that she would be an awesome addition to 717 and an awesome interview for “Beyond the Athlete”. I am always amazed at how she pushes so hard in every WOD but still manages to keep a smile on her face before, during and after the punishment. Aside from her CrossFit acumen, Maria is also very accomplished academically as she has a Ph.D in Archaeology from Washington University in St. Louis and currently teaches course at Dickinson College. Selfishly, my favorite thing about her is that she will always indulge my nerdy anthropology topics and actually seems as interested as I am about them. We (OK, maybe just I) even decided that Coach Aldo most closely resembles Homo ergaster! Alright, enough out of me. Lets meet Maria:

1. Where did you grow up?

South Lake Tahoe, Nevada/California

2. What is your athletic background?

I grew up running around outside and played various sports in middle/high school. But, by far, my favorite sport was snowboarding. I competed in high school and college but decided I needed to do something more practical – archaeology. That eventually took me to St. Louis, about as far away from mountains as possible. I was relegated to boring, useless gym workouts until I discovered CrossFit. (I hear there are a few snowy slopes around here, would love suggestions! CrossFit717 ski trip?!)

3. How did you get started with CrossFit?

I was living in DC in the first part of 2010 and joined the local, generic gym. They had a special deal on personal trainers. The one I got “Manny” just happened to also be doing CF. He had me doing burpees, mountain climbers, and cleans. As soon as I could, I joined a CF box.

“Beyond the Athlete” is a new feature here on Station 717 where, through a series of questions, we will learn more about the people we sweat with every day. The idea is to allow each of us the opportunity to show the 717 community what it is that makes us tick in and out of the Box. Hopefully, we can all have a little fun with it and learn more about each other. Who knows, maybe you use the same shampoo as another member but never knew it? Boom, instant friendship. The questions are pretty benign so none of you will have to reveal who it is you have a crush on at the Box or what you really say behind the coaches’ backs. Besides, Boggs already knows you think he broods in the corner at parties; that’s how he lures you in. My goal is to do this with everyone, new and old, so if you think this is optional you are sorely mistaken. Now, on to the interview.

Angel Stewart has graciously offered to be our first participant. For those of you who don’t know Angel, she is a bad-ass chick who carries a gun (for her job, not because she is a hillbilly). She is the poster child for our slogan, “Never Quit” and has never met a party she doesn’t like. In fact, we can thank her and her roommate April for about half of the parties that have been thrown for the CrossFit brethren. Her personality lifts us all up and it’s hard not to smile when she is around. Without further ado, lets learn some more about Angel Stewart:

1. Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Kenmore, New York. It’s a suburb of Buffalo.

2. What is your athletic background?

I don’t know that I’ve ever really considered myself to be an athlete. Growing up, I was always very active and participated in several sports teams both through school and different community organizations. I’ve tried my hand at softball, swimming, track & field, figure skating, cheerleading and dance (ballet, tap and jazz). I never really found anything that I was particularly good at or that I wanted to stick with, so I just kept trying new things.

3. How did you get started with CrossFit?

A friend of mine in the military told me about it. I had never heard of it before and it sounded really great. I did an internet search to see if there was a Crossfit in the area and found Crossfit717!

4. How long have you been at CrossFit 717?

Proud member for about 7 months now!

5. What are your favorite exercises/WODs?

I love chippers….they are brutal, but you really feel like you’ve accomplished something when you’re finished. I also love snatches 🙂

I have heard some good feedback and it seems everyone likes posts about nutrition so every Tuesday I am going to post something nutrition related. The next several will revolve around a series of interviews the boys over at T-Nation have done with Jonny Bowden. Jonny Bowden, PhD, CNS., is a board-certified nutrition specialist and a nationally known expert on weight loss and nutrition. He has a master’s degree in psychology and counseling and a PhD in nutrition, and has earned six national certifications in personal training and exercise. His books include: The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth, The Most Effective Natural Cures on Earth, and The Healthiest Meals on Earth.

The nice thing about Jonny is that he is not Paleo, Zone, Atkins, etc. He just gives you an educated, honest opinion on how he feels about nutrition whether it be grains or glycemic index. I know I have said it before, but this is another chance to learn from one of the foremost experts FOR FREE so take advantage:

The Truth About Nutrition
An Interview with Jonny Bowden, Ph.D., C.N.S.
by Chris Shugart

I don’t know if nutrition is 50 percent of the game, 70 percent, or 99.9 percent. All I know is that ignoring it is the worst mistake you can make. You won’t look like you want to look or feel like you want to feel. Chances are, if you look in the mirror and don’t like what you see, it’s your diet that’s to blame.

One of the best books I’ve ever read on food and nutrition is called The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth, by Jonny Bowden, Ph.D.

Bowden is not only a renowned expert on weight loss and nutrition, he’s also the go-to-guy for other diet experts. His books have been recommended by everyone from Barry Sears of Zone Diet fame to Charles Poliquin of gigantic biceps fame. (Bowden wrote the nutrition portion of Poliquin’s certification course.)

I recently met up with Bowden and hit him with a few questions that have been on my mind since I started reading his work.